GMA backs PASG despite graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo continues to back Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) chief Antonio Villar despite a graft complaint filed against him and eight of his men for the alleged illegal arrest and detention of a British national.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Villar and the PASG were recently cited by international anti-corruption expert Tony Kwok as one of the “bright lights” in the country’s campaign against corruption.

“Being under the supervision of the Office of the President, of course, Undersecretary Villar and his men will get all the legal support,” Remonde told reporters yesterday.

He said because of the nature of the PASG’s work, it was expected that powerful groups would try to stop the agency’s work.

Lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan filed a graft complaint against Villar and eight of his men for the illegal arrest and detention of his client, Alpha Kwok.

Alentajan said the PASG arrested Kwok for reportedly smuggling P250 million worth of jewelry and diamonds into the country. She has been detained at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) jail since Aug. 18, but no criminal or administrative charges have been filed against his client, he said.

Alentajan accused Villar and his men of asking money in exchange for her release. Kwok has customers from high places, according to Villar. – Paolo Romero